Naming, shaming MPs necessary: Kejriwal on Ramdev protocol

Naming, shaming MPs necessary: Kejriwal on Ramdev 'protocol'

Differences continued to remain between Team Anna and Ramdev with activist Arvind Kejriwal on Monday contradicting the yoga guru's claims that a protocol had been set not to take names of politicians or make personal attacks during speeches at the venue.

After Kejriwal abruptly exited the fast venue on Sunday following Ramdev taking exception to his speech, Ramdev had claimed that there was a protocol set for the meeting and it was decided not to take names, as it would divert attention from the issues of black money and corruption.

'There was no protocol that said we cannot take names'

However, Kejriwal said on Monday, "There was no protocol that said we cannot take names. When I took the names during the speech, I got a chit saying I cannot take names. I was not told that names could not be taken."

He said he was not keeping well for the past few days and he sought permission from Hazare and Ramdev to leave the place, as he had to take medicines. "I asked them whether I should sit there after taking medicines, they said no," he said.

"Ramdev is a saint. He thinks philosophically that we should not take names and we should only talk about issues. He is also correct and I am also correct. It's a political fight and we have to name the people. Naming and shaming is necessary," he said.

Image: Swami Ramdev hugs veteran social activist Anna Hazare during their day-long hunger strike against corruption in New DelhiPhotographs: Reuters

'Ramdev is a saint, he thinks philosophically'

His claim came as cracks appeared on the newly-forged Ramdev-Anna Hazare combine after Kejriwal made an abrupt exit.

On Sunday night, Ramdev had issued a statement, "We wish to run the movement with dignity. We do not want to take names and divert the attention from the issue."

Both the sides downplayed the incident claiming that Kejriwal, who is a diabetic, left the venue due to his health condition and there were no differences between the two groups which had come together two months ago after a year.

The drama unfolded at Jantar Mantar, the fast venue, immediately after Kejriwal attacked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his cabinet colleagues whom Team Anna had accused of indulging in corruption and mentioned the names of Mulayam Singh Yadav, Lalu Prasad Yadav, Jayalalithaa and Mayawati.

Hazare on Sunday appeared to defend Kejriwal and mentioned his close aide's speech. "Arvind has just said people with cases against them are sitting in Parliament...to stop this, we must use right to reject," he had said.